Shipping Passenger Vehicles from Norfolk to Colombo via Ocean Freight

Preparing cars for international shipping necessitates Thorough cleaning, removal or securing of all loose items, inspecting hoses and seals, and ensuring the battery is tight and protected. Most export agents recommend leaving about a quarter tank of fuel, fully charging the battery, documenting existing damage with photos, and providing all required Titles and export documents before the carrier collects the vehicle.

Rules on shipping personal items inside Autos depend on the transport company and lane. Many international carriers restrict household goods inside passenger vehicles due to customs and security regulations, while some domestic haulers Permit limited items if they are below window level and securely fastened. Most experts recommend confirming with your carrier in writing and understanding that personal items are often outside normal liability, and they can complicate customs inspections.

To reduce moisture and rust risk for Autos, specialists recommend starting with a completely dry vehicle, sealing all openings, and avoiding storage under sprinklers or in standing water. For longer or ocean shipments, using vapor inhibitors inside the Vehicle, applying rust-inhibiting sprays to vulnerable metal parts, and choosing sealed equipment wherever possible will significantly cut condensation and corrosion risk.

Standard carrier liability for Vehicles is usually restricted and may not reflect the true value of your passenger vehicle. We recommend purchasing comprehensive cargo insurance that covers theft, impact damage, and moisture-related issues such as corrosion or water intrusion. Provide an accurate value, share recent photos and condition reports, and confirm that loading, unloading, and any storage periods are explicitly insured.

For international Auto transport, you typically need the original title or registration, a value statement, a copy of your passport or company registration, and export/customs declarations filed in advance. Some destinations also require Emissions or safety compliance documents. Customs specialists recommend checking destination-specific rules well before shipping to avoid delays, extra storage charges, or refusal of entry.

Required documentation includes the original title of the vehicle, bill of lading, commercial invoice, and a completed export declaration. Additionally, compliance with Sri Lankan customs regulations is necessary, including any import permits or certifications specific to vehicles.

Seasonal considerations include potential weather disruptions such as hurricanes in the Atlantic during late summer and early fall, as well as monsoon seasons affecting shipping routes to Sri Lanka. It is advisable to monitor weather patterns that may impact ocean freight during these times.

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We support seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.

SAMMIE helps international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.